The Gupta period temples at Sanchi and Tigawa, near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, are significant examples of ancient Indian architecture dating back to the 5th century CE.

Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stupas, temples, and monasteries. Among these, Temple No. 17, constructed in the 5th century AD, stands out as a prime example of Gupta architecture. Situated on the southeast side of the Great Stupa, this temple features a square sanctum with a circular ambulatory, showcasing the architectural excellence of the Gupta period.

Located in Tigawa, near Jabalpur, the Kankali Devi Temple is one of the oldest known stone-cut Hindu temples, dating back to approximately 400-425 CE. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kankali Devi (a form of Durga) and is the only surviving structure in a complex that originally comprised around 36 temples. The temple is built over a low-rising platform and consists of a sanctum (garbha-grha) and an open hall (mukha-mandapa) supported by four pillars. Notably, the temple houses sculptures of both Shiva and Shakti, reflecting the syncretic nature of early Hindu worship.

The Kankali Devi Temple is considered well-preserved, especially when compared to the other temples in the complex, many of which have been demolished over time. The temple’s preservation offers valuable insights into early Hindu temple architecture and iconography.